It was no secret that Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette had reached the end of the road by the time 1982 dawned. It had successfully cemented the badge in the company’s model range, and Chevrolet decided to send the C3 out on a high by releasing a Collector Edition that proved extremely popular. This vehicle isn’t perfect, but it is a tidy turnkey survivor with a claimed 63,000 original miles on the clock. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the C3 listed here on Craigslist in Selden, New York, with an asking price of $11,500.

I have mentioned in previous articles how globally recognizable the C3 Corvette is, even though it received a range of cosmetic changes during its production life. The 1982 model year was its last, and Chevrolet released the Collector Edition to mark the occasion. This was the most expensive C3 ever produced, but with a sales tally of 6,759 vehicles, it accounted for 26.6% of production volume for that model year. This version brought unique Silver Beige paint, special alloy wheels, and a rear hatch that would become standard fare on its successor. This Collector presents quite nicely for a survivor of this vintage, with no significant cosmetic problems. A close inspection will undoubtedly reveal minor imperfections, but the paint shines nicely, the graphics are quite crisp, and there are no stains on the beautiful alloy wheels. The lack of interior damage suggests that the seals for the mirrored glass T-Top are in good order, while the remaining glass looks clear.

The Collector Edition didn’t merely feature a unique paint scheme, with its interior Silver Beige leather trim available exclusively on this model. The list of standard features and available options was extensive, allowing the Corvette to provide an extremely comfortable motoring experience. This car’s interior isn’t showroom fresh, but it is surprisingly tidy for its age. The leather has stood the test of time well, with no significant wear or signs of physical damage. The carpet may sport some marks, but it would be worth treating it to a deep clean before contemplating the cost and effort of replacement. The plastic looks nice, and the only visible aftermarket addition is a retro-style stereo. However, the seller includes the original AM/FM/CB/cassette player for those seeking authenticity. This is a worthwhile inclusion, because only 1,987 Corvette buyers ticked that box on their Order Form in 1982. The only non-functioning item is the tachometer, while the buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.

Chevrolet wasn’t sitting on its hands as the C3 headed to the end of its production life, working on technology that would potentially unleash additional power and torque. The 1982 model year brought buyers the first fuel-injected engine since 1965. Labeled “Cross-Fire Injection,” it was a twin throttle-body system that boosted power and torque from the 190hp and 280 ft/lbs available in 1981 to 200hp and 285 ft/lbs. The trade-off was that the C3 was now auto-only territory, with shifting duties falling to a four-speed 700-R4 unit that offered both improved acceleration and open-road cruising ability when compared to the superseded three-speed Turbo Hydramatic. The seller states that this Corvette has a genuine 63,000 miles on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. However, they state that it runs and drives extremely well, ready to provide its new owner with immediate classic motoring pleasure.

This 1982 Corvette Collector Edition isn’t perfect, but it seems to have no issues or problems requiring urgent attention. The new owner could perform a general cosmetic refresh to lift its appearance, although leaving it as-is is a viable option. The seller’s price looks very competitive, especially considering that the Collector Edition is enjoying climbing values and typically garners a 20% premium over the base version. It has been on the market for under a day, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?